Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Oakland will kick off their 2009-2010 Season with a rootin, tootin, high-falootin' musical! According to dramatists.com, "There's a new tenant at Armadillo Acres—and she's wreaking havoc all over Florida's most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, the stripper on the run, comes between the Dr. Phil–loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband—the storms begin to brew." The show will run August 7,8,9, and August 14, and 15. Call the Oakland for show times and reservations.

In celebration and support of the musical the Oakland Center for the Arts will hold a Great American Car Warsh at its location, 220 W. Boardman St. in downtown Youngstown, on Friday, July 31 from 4:00-6:00 pm and Saturday, August 1, from 10:00 am-5:00 pm.

Cars will be warshed by the cast and crew of the season-opening show, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Prices are $5 for cars and $10 for trucks and vans. The Warsh will be held in the 2-lane alley parking lot next the building.

All proceeds from the Car Warsh will go toward production costs. The Great American Trailer Park Musical will be directed for the Oakland by Robert Dennick Joki with musical direction from Anthony Ruggiero (yes, the team that brought you Bat Boy and Reefer Madness)! Cast includes Melissa Cook, Gerri DeWitt, Jennifer Kuzeck, Molly Makselan, David Munnell, and Shawn Lockaton. Stage manager is Kim Nevel with assistance from Brittney Murphy. Costume design is by Pam Sacui.choreography is by Debbie Pesce, and the set design and construction are by Jim Canacci.

In addition a Rummage Sale featuring historical props and costumes from the Oakland will take place in the third floor gallery. Beverages and baked goods will also be for sale in the first floor lobby.

Donations of buckets, sponges, shammies, and liquid soap are also being accepted. Contact Brooke at 330-718-5515.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

July 19, 2009 at 7:00 at the Morley Pavilion at Mill Creek Wick Recreation Area in Youngstown, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will carry on the swing tradition of the legendary big bands and orchestras. The band is a contemporary swing band or as some say neo-swing. Come on out and swing with us. Admission is free and open to the public. For directions and more information about the 7UP Summerfest Spectacular Concerts for 2009 click here.

But hey, if you want to swing before the show or if you just need to brush up on your swing dance moves don't forget that Cedars in downtown Youngstown has swing night every Thursday night at 10:00 PM.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Their story is one of a resolute struggle for civil liberties. Staughton Lynd's quite bearing and softly spoken words have angered and upset many of the powers-that-be in politics. Today, he and his wife Alice, also a lawyer, continue the struggle for worker and prisoner rights.

He remarked, "On the Internet this morning (December 20, 2008) one reads of an Iraqi journalist throwing his shoes at President Bush, of Israeli 12th graders refusing to be part of a military occupying the West Bank, of rank-and-file Greek workers occupying the offices of the trade union federation to prevent that bureaucratic organization from suppressing the spontaneous happenings in the streets and local town halls. Such courageous acts need to be understood as something broader than the conscientious refusal of individuals to become part of the pattern of things intended by last-stage capitalism and its creature, the state. That broader resistance began with the 'Basta!' (enough) of the Zapatistas and with their idea of 'mandar obediciendo': those in positions of authority must govern in obedience to what Marcos calls 'the below,' that is, us..."

Here is a photo of Staughton Lynd lecturing to the Freedom School Teachers. Staughton was director of the Freedom Schools in the Freedom Summer Project.

Please come out to the Universal Cafe tonight to hear the story of Alice and Staughton Lynd. Books will be available for purchase. There is an admission donation of $3.00 at the door. Light refreshments will also be available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30.

Debra Weaver is an Attorney in Youngstown, Ohio. She is a long time resident, activist, and proud tree hugger. She loves the city and believes that the citizens of Youngstown can co-create a vital, sustainable city for ourselves and future generations.